Redesigned Subaru Forester Shows Its Face Ahead of LA Debut

Subaru revealed the redesigned 2014 Forester ahead of its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show later this month. While full details and pricing information are still under wraps, the automaker detailed engine offerings and some available features of its redesigned affordable compact SUV in a press release.

The base engine in the Forester will remain a 2.5-liter, 170-horsepower four-cylinder engine. It will be paired with either a six-speed manual or continuously variable transmission. The optional turbocharged engine, on the other hand, is all new. It is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four that makes 250-horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It will be paired with a CVT with six- and eight- speed manual modes. Kicking Tires notes the significance of the new turbo model’s output, calling it “a significant jump from the outgoing 2.5-liter turbo's 224 hp and 226 pounds-feet of torque.”

On paper, the Forester’s engines stack up well against competitors’ offerings. The redesigned 2013 Ford Escape’s base engine makes 168-horsepower, and neither of its two optional turbocharged engine options produce as much power as the Subaru’s. The Forester’s base engine also bests the engine output of the new Mazda CX-5. While the CX-5 is one of the fuel economy leaders of the class, it only has 155 horsepower, and there is no optional, more powerful engine.

2014 Subaru Forester 2.5

Without offering specifics, Subaru says the 2014 Forester will offer fuel economy that is “higher across the line….” The current model achieves an EPA-estimated 21/27 mpg city/highway with the base engine and 19/24 mpg with the turbocharged engine. All-wheel drive will be standard on all 2014 Foresters.

The redesigned Forester is also slightly larger than the outgoing model, and Subaru is promising more rear seat legroom and increased cargo space. Car and Driver says “the Forester grows from being slightly smaller than the competition to smack dab in the middle of the segment.”

Subaru also says the 2014 Forester will offer an infotainment system with smartphone integration, a Harman/Kardon stereo, navigation and a backup camera. It does not say, however, whether these features will be standard or optional or how much they might cost.